Someone please help me.

[mama_farizo]

Hello everyone. My name is Josie.

My son will be 2 weeks on Monday.


My left nipple is really sore, it's inflammed & cracked. I think it got this way for 2 reasons, #1 when I gave birth no one told me they would stick to my pajamas, and the next morning when my nipples were stuck to my PJs I slowly peeled the PJs off that nipple (stupid! I know) #2 The nurse told me to use an electric pump to pull my nipples out b/c she said they were flat, but I think the setting the pump was on was on high.


My son latches on the other breast just fine now, and it doesn't hurt anymore.


My Dr. said not to nurse on that side, and to air out the sore nipple. When I asked him about engorgment, he said to pump.


I asked my friend who is an older woman who knows about breastfeeding and she said to air it out but not to stop nursing on it.



The problem I am having is, it looks like it might have a tiny bit of pus. It does look like it's getting better, but it doesn't FEEL like it.

My question is, should I not give that breast to the baby and pump until it gets better? Is that pus bad for the baby will he get sick?? And if I should pump only at that breast for a while, how much do I need to pump out?


What can I put on it so I gets better? My husband told me to put peroxide on it, but that doesn't sound like a good idea to me for some reason.


I really need help. I keep crying b/c I feel like such a failure!

[RedheadbyChoice]

sweetheart, you're not a failure!

congrats on your new baby, BTW, and your decision to breastfeed. You can do this!

Lansinoh is great for a cracked nipple, it helps the skin heal. Do you have access to a lactation consultant? One of the most important things for nipple health is a good latch. How is babe's latch and positioning?

No, peroxide isn't a good idea for the nipple, either. And yes, it's fine for babe to nurse on it. What I'd try would be to put babe on the non-painful side first, and then move to injured one second. Or, you could solely pump on that side, but I'd go with nursing on it, personally.

Also, take some motrin or some tylenol, momma, for the pain. Both are safe to use while nursing.

Here are a few links for you, you may find some helpful information:

sore nipples----good talk about latch and positioning here, too (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/03a-sore_nipples.html)

a proper latch is talked about here, too (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/01starting_out_right.html)

Finally, you might want to pop over to the 'general breastfeeding' board; it has a bit more traffic than this one, and you'll get just as much if not more help and support. :D

~ginger

[TayNRobbiesMom]

I'm new to Bfing as well, but I will tell you when I Had thrush I thought pumping would be less painful then nursing and BOY was I wrong! Ended up w/ thrush and a bleeding nipple b/c they were red and inflammed and the pump was just too much!

[BoobySnacks]

The first couple of weeks are always the hardest but it will pass and you will be happy that you pushed through it. Do what Red says, I can't really add anything more, but I can tell you that I was there with both of our kids and the hard part is almost over and the rest of it is a breeze. Keep your chin up mama, you can do this!!

[RedheadbyChoice]

Hey, sugar, how's it going?